Finance Manager, Franchise Support EMEA

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Job Description

Finance Manager, Franchise Support Europe, Middle East & Africa

Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. We believe a great career is a journey of discovery and exploration. So, we ask, where will your journey take you?

POSITION SUMMARY

Finance Manager, Franchise Support Europe, Middle East & Africa is a key member of the EMEA Franchise Support Organisation. This portfolio of portfolio of circa 450+ hotels with 90,000+ rooms generate $90m+ in fees to the EMEA.

Using an account management approach, this position will represent the needs and interests of franchise owners in EMEA, which are critically important to the EMEA's future growth in terms of unit development and fees. Driving owner preference and maintaining owner loyalty are priorities and have been identified as key success factors.Responsibilities include building relationships with current and prospective ownership groups through clear lines of communication, better opportunities for input, and a higher level of responsiveness to their concerns and needs.

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION

Business/Functional Results

• Support Marriott's strategic priority of "Owner Preference" by directly supporting the business objectives of Franchise Support Organization in concert with VP Franchise Support Europe and Finance Discipline.
• Deliver onboarding training to newly hired finance leaders and finance leaders of new hotels
• Support the collection of receivables on a timely basis, specifically dealing with stubborn debt. Proactively drive collection of outstanding amounts owed to MI.
• Audit and submit refund request, write offs, adjustments, and acts of acceptance for approval.
• Supports Franchise Hotels with technical issues of Financial systems
• Work closely with the EMEA Reporting and Analysis team for all financial data related matters
• Monitor revenue and fees reported to ensure they are being reported correctly by our franchisees and seek support as needed to address any potential issues.
• Monitor the month end reporting process, chase franchisees, and ensure adherence with the deadline.
• Support hotels with the resolution of their billing disputes
• Ensure incoming payments are allocated correctly and PEP process is adhered to
• Monitor performance termination metrics closely for all impacted franchise hotels.
• Understand franchise agreements thoroughly and ensure fees are billed correctly to franchisees.
• Provide training and support to ensure Franchisees understand Marriott Programs and Services.
• Liaise with Development and Operations on development/conversion opportunities for current and prospective owners
• Establish with manager an annual audit plan
• Execute the plan. Track and Report outcome of audits to manager
• Foster a culture of compliance to Marriott Policies and Procedures and enforce Franchisee's contractual obligations
• Plan and execute a random and a targeted audit to ensure reported revenues are correct an in accordance with the franchise agreement definition. Take necessary actions in case revenue misrepresentation.
• Monitor the Franchise Finance mailbox and ensure emails are dealt with in a timely manner
• Provide training to Franchisees as often as needed

Strategic Leadership

• Implement and suggest strategies to improve Owner survey metrics: Overall, MI Affiliation, and communication.
• Improve alignment of Marriott global and continent strategies with business objectives for the Franchise owner community
• Support process to create value for owner asset and MI (fees) by balancing owner financial objectives.
• Represent the voice of the Franchise Support Organization for EMEA amongst key MI stakeholders
• Assume consulting role to Owners and discipline leads.

Managing Execution

• Directly support the relationship with key multi-unit owners.
• Collaborate with the Franchise Support team to create alignment in serving owners needs
• Support Brand teams on major business issues and initiatives
• Strengthen owner relationships through clearer lines of communication and high levels of responsiveness to issues, needs, and requests
• Resolve issues before they rise to the escalated level
• Use "leading" performance indicators to proactively intervene before emerging issues become significant risks
• Partner with Finance, Sales, Legal, Development, Brand and Market organizations to ensure that initiatives and programs are well communicated with external stakeholders; timely address and resolve any issues resulting from those programs.
• Lead process and drive resolutions of detractor hotels
• Support Brand efforts relative to new initiatives, product enhancements, modification to brand standards
• Ensure appropriate functional counterparts are engaged in issues and understand the perspective of the owner community.

Building Relationships

• Manage interactions with key stakeholder teams (Finance, Legal, Sales Brand, Development, Loyalty, FCC & Cash above property leaders) to facilitate resolution to obstacles
• Represent the voice of owner within EMEA and related disciplines
• Help to reinforce MI and owners perspective within internal forums by demonstrating strong business and financial acumen with general understanding of situational economics, legal, and franchise agreements

Other

• Perform other duties as needed.
• Travel required.
• Location requirements: The position can be based from our London office.
• Travel Requirements: Business travel required.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience and Skills

• 5+years of relevant operating business experience in Finance and/or hotel operating management experience
• Owner relations experience
• Ability to build on financial and/or operating background to help address performance issues and impacts across individual and multi-unit portfolios.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills preferred
• Finance knowledge
• Contact base within both the Marriott internal market organization and external owner community.
• Excellent Business Acumen: ability to make sound business decisions requiring the balanced integration of operational, financial, and human resources.
• Executive presence
• Proven Influencing Skills: ability to persuade leadership and stakeholders to respond appropriate to owner needs
• Language Requirements: High proficiency (speaking, reading and writing) in English is required. Other languages is a plus

Education or Certification

• College degree in business related field preferred

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

About the Team

Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.